SANDPOINT — As expected, forecasted high winds hammered the area Monday evening, causing thousands of people in the region to lose power.

Avista Utilities reported that the company had as many as 237 active outages Monday night, affecting 18,475 customers throughout North Idaho and Eastern Washington. Northern Lights, Inc. also reported widespread outages with an estimated 157 outages affected 9,505 customers through North Idaho and northwestern Montana.

NLI reported on its website that the Bonneville Power Administration lost the transmission circuit from Albeni Falls to Sandpoint including the tap serving all of Priest River/Priest Lake. That loss impacted a large portion of Bonner County west and south of Sandpoint, officials said.

"This storm event will potentially bring wind gusts exceeding 50-plus mph in some localized areas," NLI officials said. "These conditions will likely lead to outages and our crews are ready to respond when that happens.

In a press release sent out early Monday evening, Avista officials said the substantial winds across Idaho and Washington were sending branches and trees into powerlines, with the first outages reported as early as 3 p.m.

"As the wind subsides and as it is safe to do so, Avista is focused on assessing the extent of the damage to the electric system and restoring power," officials said. "Given this ongoing assessment, estimated restoration times are currently unknown and may take 24 hours or more in some cases."

Avista crews were out working to restore power as quickly as they could Monday and would be working around the clock as quickly and safely as possible until all customers are restored, officials said.

"While estimated restoration times are unknown, customers should be prepared for a prolonged outage and seek resources as needed," officials said. "Once crews have been able to assess each area, we will provide updated restoration times for our customers."

To report an outage, Avista customers can report it on the company's mobile app; text OUT to 284-782 — register for this service by texting REG; or report it online at myavista.com/outage.

Both Avista and NLI officials advised area residents to keep themselves and others far away from any downed power lines and always assume that a line is energized. Remember to call 866-665-4837 for NLI or 1-800-227-9187 for Avista to report outages or damage.

Avista suggests customers take the following steps during an outage:
• Turn off all the appliances that were on before the power went out.

• Unplug electronic equipment, including computers.

• Leave a light or radio on as an alert when power has been restored. 

• Help Avista crews working in a neighborhood know which homes have power by turning on the front porch light.

• Do not wire an emergency generator into a home’s electrical system, unless there is a disconnect switch to separate generated power from Avista’s distribution system. Backfeed into power lines could injure or kill a lineman working to get electricity restored.

• Use a generator only to run specific appliances and locate it outside so poisonous carbon monoxide fumes do not enter the home.

Information: Avista Utilities, myavista.com/outage; or Northern Lights, www.nli.coop/